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New business blossoms for Tracyton woman

A gift for a new baby in the family has quickly become a booming business for Kirsten Reed of Tracyton.

Its taken us totally by surprise, Reed said.

Her Mommy Tags, featured in the May edition of American Baby magazine, have struck a nerve. orders come in at about 60 per day.

The simply designed, recycled silver tags are stamped with the babys name and birthday. A larger tag accompanies the baby tag has a heart and the words Bebe Love. Each one is meticulously made by hand using common household items for tools.

Theres a niche of people who like the chunky silver, organic kind of look, she said. Despite their look, the tags are light weight.

The precious metal clay (PMC) comes in a pouch and can be rolled and shaped into virtually anything, The metal is mixed with binders to form the clay, and when it is fired in a kiln at 1,650 degrees the binders burn off and is .999 fine silver.

The tags are sent with a 21-inch ball chain and are gift wrapped. The first set of Mommy Tags are $35 and $5 for each additional childs tag.

Reed describes herself as a creative type who has dabbled in different craft genres since she was a young girl.

My dream has always been to have a creative business, Reed said.

She started working with PMC in 1998 and teaches a monthly class at the Bead Garden in Old Town Silverdale.

While she wanted to work with silver, it is a complicated and expensive endeavor.

And it wasnt something she could easily do from home. She came up with the Mommy Tags concept after her niece was born. Word spread about the the tags among friends and family.

Reed sent samples out to magazines and was surprised when orders increased and people mentioned they had seen them in the American Baby.

For the past few weeks its been a whirlwind of changes as she looks for a space to move her business, she currently operates out of the lower part of her home. Her studio, garage and laundry room have become Mommy Tags central. Reeds hired a business manager and the law firm she used to work for to represent her and her product.

Even though the pace is fast and the days are long, Reed stays positive about the business growth.

I welcome this blessing, Reed said.

For about three years Reed was dealt with turmoil in her family and then was diagnosed with Bells Palsy, which causes facial paralysis. Reed recovered and last year ran in the New York City Marathon.

I need that endurance to run this business, she jokes. After crossing the finish line in New York, she knew she could accomplish anything she set her sights on.

Her 20-year old daughter and 14-year-old-son help out with Mommy Tags, as does husband Jeff.

But more people have to be hired especially now that Reed is working on a catalog deal. Her Mommy Tags could go out to 3.1 million homes.

The tags take about three days to make, but since the American Baby mention came out Reed said orders take about four weeks. For ordering information visit www.mommytags.com.

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